The corridor stretched ahead of us, lined with numbered doors that hummed with the muffled sounds of ongoing training sessions. Each door bore a small status display showing occupancy and session duration. The soundproofing was impressive, while I could still hear the fire from different types of weapons it was little more than a whisper.
"Office Seven should be just ahead" Sera said, checking the door numbers as we walked. She carried both weapons cases with practiced ease, the weight clearly barely enough to bother her.
We stopped at a door marked with a simple "7". The access panel beside the door scanned Sera's biometrics with a soft blue light, then chimed approvingly and displayed a brief message: "Access granted. Facility orientation available upon request."
The door slid open with the same hiss I'd heard throughout the facility, revealing what lay beyond. I stepped through the entrance and immediately understood why this was called "Office Seven" rather than simply "Training Bay Seven." The space was divided into two distinct areas. The immediate entrance opened into what resembled a small classroom or briefing room, complete with a table, chairs, and a wall-mounted display screen. But it was a doorway leading to what was unmistakably a firing range that caught my attention. Through the opening, I could see two distinct firing lanes separated by reinforced barriers.
"This is perfect" Sera said with obvious satisfaction as she surveyed the setup. "Private instruction area plus dedicated range time. We can work at our own pace without worrying about other users or time constraints."
She moved toward the range area, gesturing for me to follow. "Go ahead and put all the ammunition on that spare table" she instructed, indicating a surface designed for equipment staging. "We'll organize everything before we start handling weapons."
I placed the boxes of power packs on the designated table, arranging them in neat rows that would allow easy access during our training session.
"Before we do anything else" Sera said, her tone shifting to the serious, instructional cadence I'd learned to recognize during our previous training sessions, "we need to cover fundamental weapon safety. These principles apply to every blaster you'll ever handle, from training weapons to full military combat systems."
________________________________
Gun safety is important and everyone should take classes or lessons before the handling of Firearms. That said I am not writing it out, it's not a good read
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After completing the safety overview, Sera's instruction shifted to the technical aspects of the weapon itself. "Understanding how your equipment works isn't just about maintenance it's about reliability. If you can't field-strip and reassemble your weapon under stress, you can't depend on it when your life is at stake."
She began the disassembly process with smooth, practiced movements. The DC-15s came apart into several main components: the barrel assembly, the power cell housing, the trigger mechanism, and the grip frame. Each piece was placed on the table in the order of disassembly, creating a logical sequence for reassembly.
"The DC-15s are designed for easy maintenance under field conditions," Sera explained as she worked. "Most engineering here focuses om reliability and simplicity over exotic features. Every component has a specific function, and most problems can be resolved with basic cleaning and adjustment."
She guided me through my first attempt at disassembly, her hands covering mine to ensure proper technique. My movements were slow and uncertain, requiring multiple attempts to properly align components and activate release mechanisms. The process that had taken Sera less than a minute stretched to nearly ten minutes under my inexperienced handling.
"Don't worry about speed right now" Sera said patiently as I struggled with a particularly stubborn component. "Focus on understanding how each piece fits together. Speed comes with repetition."
Reassembly proved even more challenging. The components had to be aligned precisely, and several required specific sequences of installation to function properly. My first attempt resulted in a weapon that looked correct but failed the function check when Sera tested the safety systems.
"Try again" she said simply, handing me the disassembled components. "This time, pay attention to the small alignment marks on each piece. They'll show you the correct positioning."
My second attempt was marginally better. The disassembly went more smoothly, though I still required several minutes to complete the process. Reassembly was faster but still far from the fluid competence I'd observed in Sera's demonstration. The weapon passed its function check, but my technique remained awkward and hesitant.
"Improvement" Sera acknowledged with a slight smile. "You'll get plenty more practice over the coming months. Now, let's see how you do with the actual shooting."
She took the reassembled pistol and moved toward the firing lane, her posture shifting into the focused alertness that marked all her weapons handling. "Watch carefully. I'll demonstrate proper shooting stance, sight alignment, and trigger control."
I positioned myself slightly to the side and behind Sera's shooting position, where I could observe without interfering.
"Target system, deploy standard precision target at ten meters" Sera called out to the range's automated systems.
The response was immediate and impressive. A mechanical arm extended from the ceiling, carrying a fresh target that was printed in real-time and positioned precisely at the requested distance. The target was a normal scoring ring, with the center marked as a ten-point zone surrounded by rings of decreasing value.
Sera verified that I was watching, then turned back to face the target. She took a moment to settle her breathing and align her sights before beginning to fire. Her stance looked perfect to me, the gun seemed stable in her hands.
The first shot hissed through the range's contained atmosphere with the distinctive sound of an energy weapon discharge. Even though it was a training weapon operating at reduced power, the sound was unmistakable. Sera fired four more times in measured succession, each shot preceded by a brief pause. The sight of Sera shooting was impressive in a way that went beyond simple technical competence. Her movements were economical and precise, without wasted motion or unnecessary flourish. There was something almost artistic about the way she handled the weapon.
"Target return for analysis" Sera commanded, and the mechanical system brought the target back to our position for examination.
I leaned in to study the results alongside Sera, curious to see the level of accuracy I should aspire to achieve. The target showed five holes clustered in the eight and nine rings, with none achieving the perfect ten-point center scoring zone.
"Tsk" Sera let out with a slight frown, studying the target. "I'm getting rusty. Too much time spent sitting around and not enough range time. All eight and nine ring hits, no tens."
To me the grouping looked impressive all five shots were clustered within a relatively small area that would have been immediately lethal in combat. But I was beginning to understand the standards under which both of my parents operated under and they were considerably higher than merely "good enough to win a fight."
"Now it's your turn" Sera said, turning to face me with an encouraging expression. "Don't worry about matching my performance, I've been doing this for fifteen years. Just focus on proper technique and try to hit somewhere on the target."
She commanded the range systems to deploy a fresh target, positioning it at the same ten-meter distance she had used for her demonstration. The mechanical arms moved with silent efficiency, presenting me with a clean target that seemed both inviting and intimidating. I felt a flutter of nervousness as Sera handed me the pistol. The weapon felt heavier in my hands than it had appeared during the disassembly exercise.
"Remember everything we just covered about safety" Sera said, moving to stand beside me within the firing lane. "The weapon is loaded and ready to fire. Keep it pointed downrange at all times, and don't put your finger on the trigger until you're ready to take your shot."
She positioned herself where she could observe my technique and provide immediate correction if needed. Her presence was reassuring, close enough to intervene if something went wrong, but not so close as to interfere with my movements or concentration.
"Let's start with your stance" Sera instructed, gently guiding my feet into the proper position. "Feet shoulder-width apart, strong-side foot slightly back. Weight forward on the balls of your feet, not back on your heels."
The adjustments to my posture felt awkward at first, but as Sera continued her instructions everything started to feel more natural for the most part.
"Now your grip" she continued, positioning my hands on the pistol's handle. "Dominant hand high on the back strap, thumb alongside the frame. Support hand wraps around, thumb pointing forward alongside the slide. Both hands working together to control the weapon."
The proper grip felt strange and unnatural, requiring conscious effort to maintain the correct hand positioning. I could feel the weapon's weight distributed more evenly between both hands, creating a stability I hadn't experienced during my initial handling of the pistol.
"Sight alignment comes next" Sera said, moving behind me to observe my sight picture. "Line up the front sight post with the rear sight notch. The top of the front sight should be level with the top of the rear sight, with equal amounts of light visible on either side of the front post."
I raised the pistol toward the target, trying to align the sights as Sera had instructed. The process was more difficult than it appeared the sights seemed to waver and dance, making it challenging to maintain consistent alignment while also keeping the weapon steady.
"Don't worry if it's not perfect" Sera said, her voice calm and encouraging. "Sight alignment takes practice. Just try to get close and focus on smooth trigger control."
My chest felt tight as I held my breath, every muscle in my body seeming to tense in anticipation of the moment. The sights wavered slightly in my vision despite my best efforts to maintain steady aim, and I could feel my heart beating faster as the reality of actually firing a weapon struck me fully.
I forced myself to exhale slowly, remembering Sera's earlier instruction about breathing control. As my lungs emptied, I felt my body settle slightly, the weapon steadying in my hands. I drew in another breath, let half of it out, and then held steady as my finger applied gradual pressure to the trigger. The blaster fired with a sharp crack that seemed to reverberate through my entire body but the recoil was less than I had expected which was nice.
My first shot struck the target in the sixth ring, well off-center but definitely on target. Not terrible for a first attempt, but not particularly impressive either. What surprised me more than the accuracy was my reaction to the experience itself.
I stared down at the blaster in my hands, biting my lip as an unexpected shiver ran through my body. The sensation of firing the weapon had been intoxicating in a way I couldn't quite describe. The feeling of having that kind of power at my fingertips, of being able to reach out across distance and precisely affect my environment, was unlike anything I had experienced before.
This was the best feeling I'd ever had.
I raised the weapon again, settling back into the stance Sera had taught me. This time my grip felt more natural, my sight alignment came easier, and my breathing was more controlled. I fired again, and the bolt struck closer to the center in the seventh ring this time.
The improvement was encouraging, but more importantly, the sensation was just as intoxicating as the first time. I fired three more shots in measured succession, each one feeling more natural than the last. The fourth shot clipped the edge of the eighth ring, and the fifth landed solidly in the seven.
"Stop there" Sera called out, her voice cutting through my growing fascination with the weapon. "Let's see how you did."
I reluctantly lowered the blaster to the table, keeping it pointed downrange as she had instructed, and watched as the target system brought my first attempts back. The arm moved slowly back delivering the evidence of my marksmanship for assessment.
"Not bad at all" she said after a moment of consideration. "Five shots, all on target for a first time"
"A few things to work on" Sera continued, her tone shifting to specific instruction. "You're anticipating the recoil slightly, which is causing you to push the shots low and to the right. Try to follow through with each shot keep your sight picture steady even after the weapon fires."
She demonstrated the proper follow-through technique with an unloaded weapon, showing me how to maintain sight alignment and trigger control even after the energy discharge. The movements were subtle but clearly important for consistent accuracy.
"Also, try to maintain exactly the same grip pressure for each shot. Your strong hand is tightening slightly just before you fire, which affects your sight alignment. Keep both hands working together with steady, consistent pressure."
Instead of returning to the pistol immediately, however, Sera moved back to the equipment case and withdrew the DD-42 blaster rifle. "Put the pistol aside for now" she instructed, indicating a designated weapon storage area on the range counter. "Time to try something with a bit more authority."
I reluctantly placed the DC-15 on the counter, though part of me wanted to continue practicing with it until I could achieve the kind of tight groupings I'd seen in Sera's demonstration. The rifle represented a new challenge, however, and I was curious to experience the difference.
Sera moved into the firing lane with the rifle, her posture automatically adjusting to accommodate the weapon's different size and weight distribution. Where the pistol had been held with extended arms, the rifle was brought up to her shoulder with both hands supporting its length and mass.
"Target system, deploy fresh precision target at ten meters" she commanded, and the mechanical arms immediately complied with her request.
The sound of the rifle was deeper and more authoritative than the pistol, each burst creating a rapid staccato of energy discharges that spoke to the weapon's power output. When Sera finished her demonstration, she had fired approximately fifteen rounds in five separate bursts. The target system brought the result back for our examination, and the sight that greeted us was impressive. The center of the target the ten ring and the inner portions of the nine rings had been essentially destroyed by the fire. What was left was a ragged hole.
She ejected the heated power cell and inserted a fresh energy pack, the reload process smooth and automatic. The rifle accepted the new power source with a soft hum that indicated full charge and readiness for continued use.
"Now, the rifle requires different handling than the pistol" Sera said, beginning her instruction on the new weapon system making sure to go over every detail and asking questions every few steps to make sure I was understanding everything. When it was over she handed me the rifle and guided me into the proper firing position, adjusting my stance and grip until I could support the rifle's weight comfortably. The weapon felt substantial in my hands not unmanageably heavy, but definitely requiring more strength and coordination than the pistol had demanded.
"Target system, deploy fresh precision target at ten meters!" I called out, proud that I remembered the proper command protocol. The arms responded immediately, presenting me with a clean target that seemed both inviting and challenging. As I held the rifle up I shifted slightly trying to make the weight easier to hold or at least reduce how much my arms were shaking.
When I felt ready, I applied gradual pressure to the trigger and fired my first rifle shot.
The recoil was immediate, not painful but definitely more powerful than the pistol had produced. The energy discharge pushed the rifle back against my shoulder, and the unexpected force made me take a step backward to maintain my balance. My shot had gone somewhere downrange, but I wasn't certain where.
"That's normal" Sera called out encouragingly. "The rifle hits harder than the pistol. Get back into position and try again."
I stepped forward and resumed my firing stance, this time better prepared for the weapon's recoil characteristics. The rifle felt familiar now despite the surprise of that first shot, and I found myself settling into a rhythm of sight alignment, breathing control, and trigger manipulation.
I fired again, and this time I was ready for the recoil. The weapon pushed back against my shoulder, but my stance absorbed the energy without compromising my balance. I fired a third time, then a fourth, finding that each shot felt more natural and controlled.
'This is incredible' the rifle was more challenging to manage than the pistol, but it was also more satisfying in some indefinable way. The additional power, the enhanced precision, the feeling of controlling something truly formidable. After ten shots, my shoulder began to feel sore from the accumulated recoil. The training weapon's power levels were reduced compared to combat configuration, but repeated impacts were still taking their toll on my relatively small frame. I lowered the rifle to the range counter and stepped back, recognizing that I had reached my limit for the moment.
"Target return for analysis" Sera commanded, and the mechanical system brought my efforts back for examination and critique.
"You did decently well for your first time" Sera said, studying the target with professional assessment. "Most of these are solid hits, and I can see each shot getting somewhat better than the last. That's exactly what we want to see in a beginning shooter."
She alternated between looking at the target and looking at me, her green eyes moving back and forth as she processed what the shooting pattern revealed about my natural aptitude and potential for development. There was something in her expression that suggested she was making a decision about something, though I couldn't tell what.
After several moments of this back-and-forth examination, Sera seemed to reach some internal conclusion. Her expression shifted to one of determination mixed with something that might have been sentimentality.
"Put the rifle next to the training pistol" she instructed, indicating the weapon storage area on the range counter. "There's something else I want to show you."
I placed the DD-42 carefully on the counter alongside the blaster pistol, both weapons now silent and secure. My shoulder still ached slightly from the rifle's recoil, but the discomfort was overshadowed by satisfaction with my performance and curiosity about what Sera had planned next.
Inside the case, nestled in custom-fitted foam padding, lay a weapon unlike anything I had seen before. Where the Imperial training weapons had been sleek and utilitarian, this pistol was a work of art. The frame appeared to be crafted from polished wood with rich, dark grain that caught the light beautifully. Metal components gleamed with brass and bronze tones that spoke to careful maintenance and genuine craftsmanship. Next to the pistol in the case lay a matching cylinder apparently a spare component for the weapon along with a small wooden box that contained what were obviously projectile ammunition rather than energy cells. The cartridges were brass-colored and cylindrical, each one marked with "11.5mm Mandalorian" in small lettering around the base.
(IMAGE)
"What is it?" I asked, fascinated by the weapon's obvious craftsmanship and the care with which it had been maintained and stored.
Sera's expression softened with the kind of emotion I rarely saw from her a mixture of pride, nostalgia, and deep personal attachment that spoke to the weapon's significance beyond its practical function.
"This is somewhat of a family heirloom" she said, her voice carrying a reverence that made it clear this was no ordinary weapon. "It's been passed down the family line for three generations, and it's one of several slug throwers that have never failed any of its owners."
She lifted the pistol from its padding with obvious familiarity, her hands automatically finding the correct grip and balance points. The weapon seemed to belong in her hands in a way that even the Imperial training guns hadn't quite managed.
"Slug throwers operate on completely different principles than blasters" Sera explained as she demonstrated the weapon's mechanisms. "Instead of firing energy bolts, they use chemical propellant to launch solid projectiles at high velocity. They're less common in the modern galaxy, but they have certain advantages that keep them relevant."
She pressed a release mechanism, and the weapon opened along a hinge I hadn't noticed, revealing the internal cylinder that held the ammunition. She selected several cartridges from the ammunition box and began loading them into the cylinder's chambers, her movements automatic and practiced. Each cartridge slid into place with a satisfying mechanical click.
"This particular model fires an 11.5mm Mandalorian cartridge—a round that's been optimized for accuracy and stopping power while remaining manageable for smaller shooters," Sera explained as she worked. "It's powerful enough to be effective but not so overpowered that it becomes difficult to control."
As Sera talked about the weapon's history and characteristics, I found myself studying its design with growing appreciation. The craftsmanship was extraordinary every surface was finished to a high standard, every component fit together with precision that spoke to master-level gunsmithing. The wooden grip panels bore intricate carving that appeared to tell some kind of story, though I couldn't decipher the meaning of the symbols and patterns.
After completing the loading demonstration and explaining the weapon's basic operation, Sera closed the cylinder and engaged the safety mechanisms. She held the weapon for a moment, her expression reflecting the weight of whatever decision she was contemplating.
"Ember" she said, her voice taking on the formal tone she used for important announcements, "I want you to try shooting this. And if you decide to go into the Imperial Academy, I'm going to give it to you."
The words hit me like a physical blow. The idea that Sera would entrust me with a family heirloom, something that had been passed down through generations was overwhelming in its significance. Tears welled up in my eyes before I could control them, and I found myself stepping forward to embrace Sera without conscious thought. My arms wrapped around her solid frame, and I pressed my face against her shoulder as emotion overwhelmed my ability to speak. Sera chuckled softly her free hand coming up to pat my head.
"Thank you" I managed to whisper against her shoulder. "Thank you for everything. For trusting me with this, for believing I'm worthy of it."
"You've earned it" Sera replied simply
After a moment, I stepped back and wiped the tears from my eyes, trying to regain the composure necessary for handling dangerous equipment. Sera handed me the loaded pistol, and I could immediately feel the difference in weight and balance compared to the gun I had been using. I moved toward the firing lane, the pistol held carefully in both hands as Sera had taught me. The weapon felt significant in a way that went beyond its practical function, carrying the weight of history and tradition along with its mass.
"Target system, deploy fresh target at ten meters" Sera called out, resetting our shooting setup.
As I settled into my firing stance, I felt Sera's hand settle gently on my back, providing both physical steadying and emotional support. Her presence was reassuring as I prepared to experience yet another new type of weapon.
"Fair warning" she said, her voice carrying both instruction and caution. "This is going to have considerably more kick than either of the blasters. The recoil from a slug thrower is substantial nothing like the gentle push you felt from the energy weapons."
I nodded my understanding and raised the weapon toward the target, taking time to align the sights properly. When I felt ready, I applied gradual pressure to the trigger and fired.
The explosion of sound and recoil was immediate and shocking. It seemed to detonate with a crack that seemed to fill the entire range, despite the soundproofing systems. The recoil drove the weapon up and back with far more force than I had experienced with any energy weapon, and by the end my ears seemed to ring. But rather than being overwhelmed or intimidated by the weapon's power, I found myself laughing with pure delight.
I brought the weapon back into alignment and fired again, this time better prepared for the recoil and muzzle blast. The second shot was more controlled, my stance absorbing the weapon's energy more effectively. The satisfaction was even greater than the first time. After the second shot, I carefully lowered the weapon to the range counter and stepped back, rubbing my ears as they continued to ring from the sound as it had been far more intense than anything the energy weapons had produced, even with the range's dampening systems engaged.
I loved every aspect of the experience so far.
What followed was perhaps the most intensive two hours of weapons training I had ever experienced. Sera guided me through systematic practice with all three weapon systems, rotating between the training pistol, the rifle, and her family's slug thrower to ensure I developed familiarity with each one's unique characteristics and requirements.
With the training pistol, she worked on refining my stance, grip consistency, and trigger control. We fired dozens of rounds at varying distances, starting at five meters and gradually extending to fifteen meters as my accuracy improved. Sera's instruction was methodical and patient, correcting small errors in technique before they could become ingrained habits. The blaster rifle required different techniques learning to manage its greater weight and recoil while taking advantage of its enhanced accuracy potential. Sera taught me how to use proper breathing techniques for longer shots, how to find a stable shooting position, and how to control the weapon during rapid fire sequences.
But it was the slug thrower that captured most of my attention and enthusiasm. Each shot was a lesson in recoil management, the loading process became smoother with repetition, and learning the operation of the weapons systems and in the particular skills required for projectile weapons.
"The slug thrower requires more conscious thought than energy weapons" Sera explained as I practiced reloading under time pressure. "Every shot counts because you can't simply swap in a new power cell. You have to think about ammunition conservation, about when to reload, about backup weapons."
By the end of the time, my shooting had improved dramatically with all three. The training pistol felt natural in my hands, the rifle was manageable despite its size, and the slug thrower had become less intimidating as I adapted to it.
I wiped sweat from my forehead with the back of my hand feeling a slight exhaustion but satisfied with everything I've managed to do.
"That was great" I said to Sera, unable to suppress the grin that had been building throughout our training session. "I had no idea weapons training could be so... engaging."
Sera smiled in response, but there was something in her expression that suggested our session was far from over. "If you liked that, then you're going to love what comes next."
She began walking across the room toward a door I saw earlier that was practically invisible on the wall as it almost seemed a part of it until Sera got closer, She opened the door revealing a small hallway that extended beyond the firing range. The corridor was dimly lit and led to what I could see what a 2 story office that inside the shooting range.
I was happy to finally ask about this as it confused me earlier when I saw it. "Why is there an office attached to a shooting range?"
Instead of answering immediately, Sera moved to a control screen mounted beside the doorway. When she activated the interface, the display showed detailed floor plans of what appeared to be a multi-level facility. The images revealed a complex environment with multiple rooms, corridors, and what looked like a realistic office building layout complete with cubicles, conference rooms, and administrative areas.
The first floor showed an open office environment with desks, workstations, and typical business infrastructure. The second floor displayed executive offices, meeting rooms, and what appeared to be secure storage areas. I studied the screen with growing fascination, trying to understand the purpose of such an elaborate setup. Before I could ask questions, however, Sera shut off the display with a theatrical gesture.
"No peeking" she said with a joking tone that made it clear this was all part of some planned surprise.
"What is this for?" I asked, though I was beginning to suspect the answer.
"To finish off your training properly, I want you to go through a combat scenario," Sera explained, her voice taking on the serious tone she used for important instruction. "This will show us how you handle yourself when shooting isn't just about hitting targets, but about making tactical decisions under pressure."
The idea of a combat scenario was both exciting and intimidating. Everything we had done so far had been controlled, predictable, focused on technique and accuracy. This sounded like something entirely different.
"You can use any of the weapons you've trained with today" Sera continued. "Choose whatever you feel most comfortable with, because you'll need to rely on your equipment when things get complicated."
I walked back to the equipment table where all three weapons lay waiting. As I considered my options, I realized that I felt most comfortable with the pistols. The rifle was impressive, but it would be unwieldy in the confined spaces that the floor plan had suggested. The handguns offered the mobility and quick handling that seemed more appropriate for whatever scenario Sera had planned.
"I think I'll go with the pistols" I announced, picking up both the training blaster and the slug thrower. "They feel more natural for moving around."
"Can Help me figure out how to carry them properly Please?" I asked, realizing that everything we had done so far had involved shooting from a stationary position. Actually carrying weapons while moving would require different skills that we haven't covered.
We experimented with various configurations until we found a set up that felt natural to me. The slug thrower ended up positioned at the small of my back, where its weight was supported by my belt and easily accessible with my strong hand. The training pistol was positioned at my front, roughly where a belt buckle would be, providing quick access. Once we had figure it out Sera nodded approvingly and moved to her personal equipment case, extracting two holsters that appeared designed to expand or contract after messing with them momentarily they changed, one was a weird shape (Paddle holster) designed to attach to a belt, while the other was a smaller unit attached to my back carry.
"That's an interesting choice" Sera remarked, observing my final holster configuration. "Most people prefer both weapons on the same side, but your setup gives you good options for different situations."
She helped me practice drawing both weapons until the movements felt somewhat natural, I wasn't amazing quite yet but I felt like I was getting the basics down.
After several minutes of draw practice, we both lined up beside the closed door that led to the scenario area. Sera activated the control screen again, but this time it displayed something completely different a pair of dice rendered in 3D.
"This system randomizes the number of opponents you'll face" she explained, her finger hovering over the activation control. "It keeps the scenarios unpredictable and prevents students from memorizing specific encounter patterns."
I felt a flutter of nervousness at the mention of opponents. "I'm not going to actually get shot, am I?"
Sera laughed reassuringly. "The training robots use stun settings that will put you down temporarily but won't cause permanent harm. Meanwhile, you'll be using actual weapons though obviously the targets are just expensive droids. The facility charges repair fees for damaged training robots, but that's factored into the cost of advanced scenario training."
She tapped the screen as she finished explaining, and the virtual dice began to rattle and roll with realistic physics simulation. They bounced and tumbled across the display for several seconds before finally coming to rest.
The first die showed a one. The second showed an eight.
Eighteen opponents.
I stared at the number, feeling my excitement mix with genuine apprehension. Eighteen training robots, all presumably armed and programmed to simulate hostile combatants, in a office where they could use cover and concealment to their advantage.
"That's... that's a lot" I said, my voice betraying some of the nervousness I was feeling.
"It is" Sera agreed with a slight smile. "But remember, they're not all going to attack you at once. The scenario programs are designed to be challenging but not impossible. You'll face them in groups, with opportunities to reload and reposition between encounters."
"Are you ready for this? Once we start, the scenario runs until completion. Either you neutralize all the targets, or they neutralize you."
The weight of Sera's words hit me as I suddenly realized a critical oversight in my preparation. I had been so focused on weapon selection and holster positioning that I hadn't considered ammunition management. The slug thrower held only six rounds in its cylinder, and with eighteen opponents waiting for me, I would need significantly more ammunition than what was currently loaded.
"Wait" I said, holding up a hand. "I need more ammunition for the slug thrower. Six shots won't be nearly enough."
I quickly walked back to the equipment table where Sera's ammunition supplies were organized. The wooden box contained dozens of the brass 11.5mm Mandalorian cartridges, along with several spare cylinders that could be pre-loaded for faster reloading under combat conditions.
I grabbed two additional loaded cylinders from the case, trying to figure out how to carry them on my body. The pants I was wearing were fitted for mobility rather than equipment storage, and the cylinders were just large enough to create a noticeable bulge when stuffed into my pockets. With some effort, I managed to fit one cylinder into each front pocket, though the tight fit made them difficult to access quickly. For additional ammunition, I grabbed a handful of loose cartridges and distributed them among my other pockets some in my back pockets, others in the small utility pockets near my waistband. The individual rounds were easier to conceal, though I did hope none fell out as I was moving around.
The ammunition weight was noticeable but manageable, and I found that the distribution across multiple pockets helped balance the load. Still, I was acutely aware that ammunition management would be a critical factor in whatever scenario awaited me.
"Now I'm ready" I announced, returning to the door where Sera waited with amusement at my hasty logistics planning and drew the slug thrower from its holster at the small of my back ,the weapon felt substantial and reassuring in my hand.
Sera activated the door controls, and the portal slid open with a soft hiss to reveal the dimly lit corridor beyond. The space looked convincingly like an actual office building, complete with industrial carpeting, fluorescent lighting, and the kind of mundane architectural details that made the simulation feel authentic.
"Remember everything we practiced" Sera said quietly as I prepared to enter the scenario.
I stepped through the doorway and into the ground floor of the simulated office environment, immediately closing my eyes to focus my Force sight to maximum clarity. It had been operating at background levels throughout the day suddenly gained crystal clarity, encompassing every detail of the facility's layout and contents.
(Floor Plan)
The walls became translucent in my vision, revealing not just the building's structure but the outline of droids scattered throughout both floors. Eighteen points blazed in my perception, their positions matching the display I had glimpsed earlier. Each training robot registered as a bright node of some stationary in defensive positions while others were already beginning to move in response to my presence. On the ground floor, several robots had positioned themselves behind cover in various offices and cubicles. The second floor showed additional units taking overwatch positions in executive offices and conference rooms, creating potential crossfire zones that would challenge any conventional assault.
Directly ahead, behind what appeared to be a reception desk, I could see one robot positioned in a small office. The droid was partially concealed behind a thin wall that would provide excellent cover against normal observation but meant nothing now as its energy signature pulsed steadily as I advanced.
I raised the slug thrower and aligned it with the robot's center mass, aiming through the intervening wall. The first shot cracked through the air with the sharp report of propellant, punching through the wall and striking the robot in the torso. I fired again immediately, the second round confirming the kill as the droid's energy signature flickered and died the sound of the droid collapsing inside like its strings were cut also gave clear indication.
Even as the second shot's echo faded, my Force sight detected movement from my right flank. Another robot was advancing around a corner, weapon raised and ready to engage. I dropped to one knee just as the droid swung into view, its arms still raised for a standing opponent at the entrance. The robot's rifle discharged with the characteristic whine of energy weapons, the bolt crackling past where my head had been moments before. From my kneeling position, I had a clear shot at the opponent's chest. The slug thrower barked once more, and the heavy projectile struck the robot squarely in the chest. The impact was sufficient to disable its systems and as a result the training droid powered down with a mechanical whir.
The gunfire had triggered a general alarm among the remaining droids. I could see them adapting to the threat, abandoning the positions they were in for favor of coordinated movement. Several units on the ground floor were converging on my location from different angles, while others maintained overwatch positions on the upper floor waiting to provide covering fire.
Currently the closest were three robots were moving down the right hallway of the ground floor in a coordinated advance, their weapons ready and their positioning suggesting they intended to trap and overwhelm me. Meanwhile the left hallway appeared practically empty having made the choice obvious. I moved toward the left hallway, keeping the gun ready as I approached the corner. I could see one robot positioned inside an office along this corridor it appeared to just be waiting inside with the door cracked open.
As I reached the corner, I eased my head around the corner for visual confirmation, and immediately drew blaster fire. The robot's energy weapon discharged with a sharp crack, forcing me to jerk back behind cover as the bolt splashed against the wall where my face was. A second attempt to observe yielded the same result immediate and precise return fire that prevented me from acquiring a proper sight picture.
I switched the slug thrower to my left hand, thanking my lucky stars that I was ambidextrous enough to maintain weapon control. Pressing my chest against the wall, I used my Force sight to precisely locate the robot's position within the office. The droid's energy signature was clear and steady not moving an inch which hopefully would make this next step easier.
Extending my left arm around the corner, I aligned the weapon based purely what looked straight and fired. The first shot went wide due to the awkward shooting position, the bullet striking the office wall several inches from the target. The robot immediately returned fire, its energy bolt crackling past. I adjusted my aim based on the miss and fired again. This time the bullet found its mark, striking the robot in one of its legs with sufficient force to shatter the components. The droid staggered but remained operational, its weapon still firing despite the damage to its systems.
But it did give me the opening I needed. I swung around the corner with the slug thrower raised, acquiring a clear sight picture on the damaged robot, a quick shot to its center mass disabled it and the training droid collapsed among the scattered debris of its shattered leg. Even as the robot powered down I detected additional threats converging on my position. I had perhaps seconds before facing multiple opponents simultaneously.
I ducked into the office where the robot had just come out of, making sure to close the door, As I began reloading the slug thrower with one of the pre-loaded cylinders, my Force sight revealed a tactical nightmare developing around myself. The gunfire had drawn the attention of every remaining robot in the office, and they were converging on my location with precision that would make any commander proud. I could see the energy signatures of multiple droids descending from the second floor via the central staircase, at the same time three robots from the ground floor were looping around through the right hallway the same corridor I had avoided earlier to approach my position from behind. The remaining droids on my floor had positioned themselves near the stairwell and in the connecting rooms, blocking off any chance of moving in the direction and reaching the second floor.
"Damn it" I cursed under my breath, realizing how completely I had allowed myself to become surrounded. The situation had deteriorated from a challenging scenario into what appeared to be impossible.
I drew the training pistol from its front holster, now dual wielding both weapons as I tried to formulate some kind of plan that didn't end with my immediate elimination. The slug thrower in my right hand held six fresh rounds, while the training pistol in my left hand offered virtually unlimited ammunition through its power cell system.
Through my Force sight, I tracked the movement of the three robots approaching from behind as they advanced down the hallway toward my position. They were spread out enough to avoid being eliminated by a single shot or explosive device, but close enough to provide mutual support but as a result the lead robot was alone when it approached the roam where I had taken cover.
(Enemies)
When the first droid moved into the hallway and approached the office entrance, I made my decision. Rather than wait for it to acquire a visual on my position, I aimed the slug thrower through the wall and fired. The 11.5mm round punched through the lightweight office construction and struck the robot its energy signature flickering and dying as critical systems failed.
The elimination of their point robot triggered an immediate and overwhelming response from the remaining droids. Guns from both ends of the hallway opened fire simultaneously, their bolts converging on the wall that provided my cover. There was enough fire to either eliminate me directly or force me to abandon my position, and the tactic was working. Blaster bolts crackled and hissed as they struck the wall, their energy dissipating into the materials and gradually raising the surface temperature to dangerous levels. The sustained fire created a brilliant light show that would have been spectacular under different circumstances, but in this context represented a very real threat to my survival.
Despite the desperate nature of my situation, I felt a surge of exhilaration that caught me off guard. My pulse was racing, adrenaline was flooding my system, and instead of fear, I was experiencing a kind of excitement that made my blood sing with anticipation.
"This is fun!" I giggled out loud surprising myself with the genuine enthusiasm in my voice. The combination of danger and the need to think and move faster than someone else was creating an experience that I had been craving without knowing it.
But I needed to find a way out of this killing zone before the wall failed completely under sustained fire. My Force sight revealed that the office wall separating my position from the bathroom was significantly thinner than the exterior walls. More importantly, the robot hiding in the bathroom was positioned in a way that suggested it wasn't aware of exactly where I was within the office.
I raised the slug thrower and aimed at the thin wall separating me from the bathroom. The six rounds in the cylinder represented my best chance of creating an escape route, but I would need to be precise about shot placement to maximize the structural damage while also dealing with the robot on the other side. I fired the gun rapdily until it clicked, the sharp cracks of adding to the din of energy weapons fire that continued to assault my original position. Each bullet punched through and I could see that at least four of the rounds had struck the robot in the bathroom tearing into it though it remained active despite the damage.
The concentrated fire had weakened the wall structure enough to create an opening, but it wasn't quite large enough for me to squeeze through. I holstered the empty weapon and used my hands to break away additional pieces of the damaged wall creating a gap just wide enough for my body to pass through. As I forced my way through the improvised hole, the robot was were struggling to adjust to my new position. Their intelligence was decently advanced, but it still required time to process unexpected development of getting shot, I raised the training pistol and put two quick shots into its center mass, finally eliminating the threat.
From my new position in the bathroom, I had a clear line of sight through the open doorway to several robots that were still repositioning themselves in response, The training pistol whined as I pulled the trigger rapid succession the energy bolts striking with precision that surprised me slightly.
The first robot I targeted was attempting to move down the hallway toward my previous position. Two shots to its torso disabled its primary systems, and collapsed with a satisfying crash. As the second droid dropped right behind it as I kept firing, but I knew I had only seconds before the remaining robots adapted to my new position.
I sprinted across the hallway, energy bolts crackling past me as the droids attempted to track my rapid movement. The training weapons' lower power settings meant the shots wouldn't be immediately lethal, but multiple hits would still hurt a lot. I reached the opposite wall and dropped using the solid construction for cover as return fire scorched the air around me. With my back pressed against the wall for stability, I needed to reload the slug thrower while maintaining suppressing fire with the training pistol. I placed the empty revolver against my bent knee to hold it steady, then cracked open the cylinder with my right hand while keeping the energy weapon active in my left. The multitasking required was challenging under combat stress, but Vex's training had prepared me for exactly this kind of pressure.
The last pre-loaded cylinder was wedged tight in my front pocket, made worse by the physical exertion and movement of the firefight. I struggled to extract it while simultaneously firing controlled bursts with the training pistol to keep the advancing droids from rushing my position. The energy weapon's distinctive whine echoed through the hallway as I put down suppressing fire, more concerned with keeping enemies at bay than achieving precise hits.
A lucky shot from the training pistol caught one of the approaching robots, its energy signature flickering out as systems overloaded toppling backward, creating momentary confusion among the remaining droids as their formation adapted to the loss. Finally managing to extract the cylinder from my pocket, I slammed it into the slug thrower's frame and snapped the action closed. The familiar weight and balance of six loaded rounds gave me renewed confidence as I prepared for the next phase of the engagement.
My Force sight revealed new threats developing from multiple directions. Several robots were descending the central staircase, their forms moving fast as they moved to reinforce the ground floor engagement. Simultaneously, droids from the connected rooms near my position were emerging from doorways, their weapons raised and targeting systems active.
I stood up, pressing my back against the wall for support, and noticed the training pistol's barrel was beginning to glow slightly from the sustained fire. I triggered the weapon's cooling vents to prevent system shutdown. The soft hiss of dissipating heat mixed with the sounds of approaching mechanical footsteps as the robots closed on my position.
The first droid to emerge from a nearby doorway walked directly into my line of sight. I engaged it immediately with the training pistol, the energy bolt striking its torso and sending it stumbling backward. Before it could recover, I put two more shots into it watching its systems fail and its energy signature fade from perception. The second robot was more cautious, using the doorframe for cover as it attempted to acquire a firing solution. I raised slug thrower and fired, the round punched through like it wasn't there and struck the droid eliminating another threat before it could engage.
As more robots were getting closer I found myself fighting a running battle toward the central staircase, using cover and moving as much as possible to avoid being overwhelmed by superior numbers.
A robot armed with a training rifle emerged from cover and fired a sustained burst in my direction. As soon as it started to emerge I dove behind a support pillar and energy bolts ended up scorching the ground in front of me, I rolled to the left of the pillar until it was it view then returned fire with both weapons simultaneously vaporizing the droids head before it could move to fire again.
As I reached the base of the staircase I didn't stop as I focused on the two robots positioned at the top of the stairs in overwatch positions. Their elevated position provided a fields of fire over the entire ground floor, and they had clear shots at anyone attempting to ascend.
I started spraying shots with the training pistol rapidly firing trying to force them to take cover while I bounded up the first few steps. I had no worry about running out of ammo with the gun giving me the suppressing fire I needed but every second I could feel the gun getting hotter and hotter.
The lead robot on the stairs returned fire with its rifle, the energy bolts striking the steps around me and sending sparks cascading down the stairwell. I flung myself to one side, using the stair railing for partial cover, and returned fire with both weapons. My first shot with the slug thrower caught the leading robot in the shoulder, spinning it around and disrupting its aim. Before it could recover, I put three quick shots from the training pistol into it, watching another energy signature fade.
"Hehe"
The second robot on the stairs had moved to a more covered location, using the upper landing's architecture for better protection. I continued my advance, moving from step to step while doing my best to crouch beneath the railing while firing back. I reached the halfway point of the staircase and paused to catch my breath and to reassess the tactical situation through my Force sight. The remaining robot above me was well-positioned but isolated. Several other droids remained active on the second floor, but they were holding defensive positions rather than moving to reinforce for some reason.
I took a few seconds just breathing and finalized a plan. 'I could use this momentary pause to eliminate the immediate threat before dealing with the broader issue of clearing the upper level.'
I aimed the slug thrower carefully and the next time the droid popped out I squeezed the trigger causing the round struck true, and I followed up by standing and firing immediately with the training pistol to ensure it was eliminated.
With the immediate stairway cleared, I had gained access to the second floor and significantly reduced the number of active enemies without being to worn out. With a quick glance my ammunition situation remained alright, three rounds left in the slug thrower and sufficient power in the training pistol to continue.
I reached the second-floor landing and immediately moved toward the room connected to the central staircase. I could see one robot positioned just inside the doorway, its arms extended and alert as it maintained overwatch on the stair approach. The droid's positioning was tactically sound anyone ascending the stairs would be channeled directly into its field of fire. I approached the entrance pressed againts the wall at an angle that reduced how exposed I was, then swung around the doorframe with both weapons ready. The robot was positioned behind a desk, using the furniture for partial cover, but I fired as I was rounding the corner the bolt from training pistol disabled its weapon arm while the slug thrower's round punched through the desk and struck it where its neck met its chest.
With the immediate threat eliminated, I had access to the main office space that dominated the second floor. Through my Force sight, I could see the remaining robots spread throughout the open floor plan some had positioned behind cubicle walls, others using office furniture for cover, all of them oriented toward the various approaches from the room.
(Floor Plan)
I moved into the office space and immediately came under fire from multiple positions. Training bolts crackled through the air around me as I dove behind the nearest cubicle wall, hoping the office furniture would provide protection. The reality of lightweight office construction became immediately apparent. The training bolts tore through the cubicle walls with ease, the materials offering minimal resistance to energy weapons. The partition that should have provided cover was instead rapidly disintegrating by sustained fire from multiple directions.
I rolled away from my initial position just as several bolts burned through the cubicle where I had been crouching moments before. The acrid smell of melted plastic and overheated metal filled the air as the training weapons continued their systematic destruction of the office environment.
I began a running battle through the cubicle maze, using my Force sight to track robot positions while engaging targets of opportunity. The first robot I encountered was positioned two cubicles away, firing over a low partition wall. I used the training pistol, putting three quick shots into its torso before moving to a new position. The energy bolts from my weapon were just as capable of penetrating the lightweight construction as theirs were, evening the playing field. A second robot tried to flank me from the left, emerging from behind a larger desk that provided more cover. I switched to the slug thrower, using it to punch through the desk and disable the droid before it could acquire a clear shot on my position.
The remaining robots adapted quickly to me, beginning to coordinate their fire to destroy the cubicles right before I could reach them. Energy bolts crisscrossed the office space, creating a deadly web of overlapping fire that forced me to keep moving constantly. I scrambled from cover to cover, sometimes sliding under desk surfaces, other times vaulting over cubicle walls as the robots attempted to track my movement as the physical demands increased, I could feel my body beginning to burn and slow down as I tried to keep my pace as fast as possible.
During one particularly intense exchange, I found myself crouched behind a copier catching my breath while energy bolts continued to tear through the office space around me. Waiting for a break in the robots' coordinated fire, I closed my eye for a moment focusing on my Force sight to assess the remaining opposition. Three energy signatures remained, their positions spread throughout the office in what appeared to be their final positions. They had learned from rest and were now firing in sequence to maintain continuous pressure, preventing me from establishing any stable position from which to engage.
The break came when one of the droids' weapons began to overheat from sustained fire. I could see through my Force sight as the robot's energy signature shifted slightly, indicating it was cycling through emergency cooling procedures. That momentary lull in their coordinated fire was the opening I needed. I rose from cover and sighted the slug thrower on the nearest robot, which was positioned behind a cubicle wall roughly fifteen meters away. The weapon barked once the heavy projectile punching through office furniture to strike the droid causing it to drop as it flickered and died.
Two robots remaining. I twirled to the side Energy bolts crackled past my position as the surviving droids adjusted their fire to my new location. The second robot was positioned behind what appeared to be a printer station, using the bulky equipment for cover while maintaining a clear field of fire across a significant portion of the office space. I raised the slug thrower and squeezed the trigger, expecting the familiar recoil and sharp crack of chemical propellant.
Instead, I heard the hollow click of a firing pin striking an empty chamber.
The realization hit me like a physical blow I had miscounted my ammunition somewhere during the chaotic engagement. The slug thrower was empty, and I was facing two remaining robots with only the training pistol. The mechanical weapon that had given me such an advantage through its wall-penetration capability was now nothing more than an expensive club.
I dove away from my position just as the robot I had tried to engage opened fire, energy bolts searing through the space where I had been standing moments before. The acrid smell of melted plastic filled the air as the shots struck office furniture and reduced it to smoldering debris. My Force sight confirmed my worst fears no additional ammunition remained for the slug thrower. The loose cartridges I had stuffed into various pockets had fallen out of my pockets sometime earlier leaving me with only the training pistol.
I checked the energy weapon's power cell indicator and saw sufficient charge remaining for continued operation and guessed how many shots I had left feeling the heat coming off the gun. The training pistol would have to be enough to eliminate the final two robots.
As I crouched behind inadequate cover with energy bolts continuing to probe my position, a desperate and arguably stupid idea began to form in my mind any normal assault would likely result in my elimination before I could engage effectively. Before I could properly think it out or convince myself of another way I took a deep breath and committed to the insane plan that was forming in my thoughts. Rising from cover, I began a dead sprint directly toward the nearest robot's position, the training pistol raised and ready. The droid's targeting systems locked onto my charging form immediately, and it fired a stun bolt directly at my chest. But I had anticipated this response as I saw the droid start to squeeze its finger I hurled the empty slug thrower directly into the bolt's path. The heavy metal weapon disrupted the energy beam causing it to dissipate harmlessly around the projectile.
I continued my charge without breaking stride, closing the distance to the robot's position while it cycled through recharge protocols. The training pistol whined as I put three quick shots into the droid's torso watching it fall.
One robot remaining.
I turned toward the last one and began another charge, the training pistol raised as I closed the distance. But as I squeezed the trigger for what should have been the killing shot, the weapon suddenly vented heat instead of firing. The emergency cooling cycle had engaged automatically to prevent system damage, leaving me with a useless weapon at the worst possible moment. The robot's weapon was already trained on my position, its targeting systems locked and ready to fire. In desperation, I hurled the overheated training pistol at the droid's head, hoping to disrupt its aim long enough to close the final distance. The improvised projectile struck true, causing the robot's shot to go wide as its sensors were momentarily obstructed. But the droid was already recovering, its weapon back to position as I launched myself into a tackle that would have made any combat instructor proud.
I collided with the mechanical opponent at full speed, using my body weight and momentum to drive through office furniture. The robot was heavier and more solidly built than I had expected, but the force of my impact was sufficient to knock it off balance and disrupt its movements. We crashed to the floor in a tangle of metal and flesh, the robot's weapon clattering away as we struggled for control but its mechanical limbs were stronger than my own.
I managed to get my hands around what passed for the robot's neck, while the droid was still trying to bring its weapon to bear. With a surge of adrenaline-fueled strength, I twisted and pulled until I felt something give way. Sparks flew as I tore the robot's head assembly free from its torso the droid's energy signature flickering wildly as systems failed throughout its frame.
But even as the robot's primary consciousness faded, its weapon systems maintained enough power for one final shot. The training bolt caught me squarely in the chest at point-blank range, the energy overwhelming my nervous system instantly. I felt my muscles lock up as discharge coursed through my body. My vision began to blur and darken and I collapsed beside the now-silent robot, its torn head assembly still clutched in my hands.
Through the haze of encroaching unconsciousness, I managed a weak smile as I heard the sound of approaching footsteps.